Obligated Service (OBS) and Reenlistment for Promotion

Start Here If You Are New to OBS for Promotion

Marines selected to SSgt through SgtMaj/MGySgt must have 24 months of OBLIGATED SERVICE (OBS) remaining on contract from their promotion date. OBS comes from a contract extension or reenlistment. Commanding officers can LOCALLY extend Marines using projected tables published in monthly promotion MARADMINs to avoid promotion delays. However, Marines with specific draw case codes (DCC AF, AH, AX, AY) CANNOT be locally extended and must submit through the Total Force Retention System (TFRS). Multiple reenlistment paths exist. CRP (Commandant's Retention Program), CGRP (Commanding General's Retention Program), LATMOV (Lateral Move), Standard reenlistment. The Direct Affiliation Program (DAP) preserves selection for active-to-reserve transitions. Marines who do not comply with OBS before their seniority number is reached receive a date of rank and effective date for the 1st of the following month after compliance. Refusal of OBS makes a Marine ineligible for ALL future promotion selection boards in the same component. Per MCO P1400.32DMCO P1400.32D, MARADMIN 612/19MARADMIN 612/19.

This page walks you through OBS for promotion from your seat as a SNCO selectee. By the end you will know.

• The 24-month OBS requirement
• Local extension authority and limits
• Draw case codes (DCC) AF, AH, AX, AY that block local extension
• The four streamlined reenlistment paths
• The Direct Affiliation Program (DAP) for active-to-reserve
• Medical exemptions
• Consequences of OBS refusal
• Alternate select OBS framework (30 days from activation)

Every fact on this page comes from MCO P1400.32DMCO P1400.32D, MARADMIN 612/19MARADMIN 612/19, MCO 1040.31MCO 1040.31, and MMPB-11 published guidance.

The 24-Month OBS Requirement

Per MCO P1400.32DMCO P1400.32D and MARADMIN 612/19MARADMIN 612/19, Marines selected to SSgt through SgtMaj/MGySgt must have at least 24 months of obligated service remaining on contract from their promotion date.

What "From Promotion Date" Means

The 24-month clock starts on the date the Marine is promoted (typically the 1st of the month after select grade posts).

Why OBS Matters

The Marine Corps invests in promoted Marines through training, leadership development, and assignment. OBS ensures the investment yields a meaningful return.

What Happens Without OBS

Marines who do not comply with OBS before their seniority number is reached will receive a date of rank and effective date for the 1st of the following month AFTER compliance with OBS.

Local Extension Authority

Per MARADMIN 612/19MARADMIN 612/19 and MCO P1400.32DMCO P1400.32D, Commanding Officers have authority to LOCALLY extend Marines using projected tables in monthly promotion MARADMINs to ensure they possess the 24 months OBS to avoid promotion delays.

What This Means in Practice

When a Marine is approaching promotion select status and lacks 24 months OBS, the Commanding Officer can extend the Marine's contract by the necessary amount.

How Local Extension Works

The Commanding Officer issues an extension agreement. The Marine accepts. The contract is updated in MCTFS.

Draw Case Codes (DCC) That Block Local Extension

Commanding Officers CANNOT locally extend Marines with the following draw case codes.

• DCC AF.
• DCC AH.
• DCC AX.
• DCC AY.

What These DCCs Mean

These DCCs indicate specific career circumstances (e.g., approaching certain career milestones) that require headquarters-level review before extension.

Where to Submit If DCC AF, AH, AX, or AY

Marines with these DCCs must submit extensions through the Total Force Retention System (TFRS) to Headquarters Marine Corps for review.

Streamlined Reenlistment Paths (FY25 Enlisted Retention Campaign)

Per the FY25 Enlisted Retention Campaign and MARADMIN 612/19MARADMIN 612/19, Marines may submit for reenlistment via four streamlined avenues.

Path 1. Commandant's Retention Program (CRP)

The CMC-level retention program. For Marines whose retention is critical to specific Marine Corps priorities.

Path 2. Commanding General's Retention Program (CGRP)

The Commanding General-level retention program. For Marines whose retention is critical at the major subordinate command level.

Path 3. Lateral Moves (LATMOV)

Reenlistment with simultaneous lateral move to a different MOS.

Path 4. Standard Reenlistments

The default reenlistment process for Marines not using CRP, CGRP, or LATMOV.

Direct Affiliation Program (DAP)

Per MCO 1040.31MCO 1040.31 and MARADMIN 612/19MARADMIN 612/19, the Direct Affiliation Program allows Marines selected for promotion in active duty AND departing to affiliate with the reserve component to RETAIN their selection if OBS compliance is met via the DAP.

Eligible RC Components

Marines may affiliate with one of the following RC components.

• Selected Marine Corps Reserve (SMCR).
• Individual Mobilization Augmentees (IMA).
• Active Reserve.
• Individual Ready Reserve (IRR).

How DAP Works

1. Marine selected for promotion on active duty.
2. Marine prepares to leave active duty.
3. Marine affiliates with a reserve component within DAP timing.
4. MMPB-11 is informed when the active-duty Marine has met OBS compliance with an approved RC affiliation contract.
5. The selection is retained.
6. Promotion in the reserve component proceeds.

Why DAP Matters

Without DAP, a Marine selected for promotion who leaves active duty would lose the selection. DAP allows the Marine to keep the selection by affiliating with the reserve component.

OBS Exemptions

Medical Exemption

Marines in medical status, including those on limited duty or pending evaluation by a Physical Evaluation Board, AND who meet all other requirements are eligible for promotion WITHOUT an extension.

Why This Exemption

Marines in medical status may be unable to extend or reenlist for legitimate reasons. The exemption allows promotion to proceed.

Other Exemptions

Specific situations may qualify for other exemptions per MCO P1400.32DMCO P1400.32D. Coordinate with the unit S-1 and MMPB-11.

Consequences of OBS Refusal

Removal From Selection List

Per MCO P1400.32DMCO P1400.32D and MARADMIN 612/19MARADMIN 612/19, MMPB-11 will remove the Marine's name from the appropriate selection list when a Marine refuses to extend or reenlist to gain OBS, UNLESS the Marine is doing a DAP contract from active to reserves.

Future Promotion Ineligibility (Same Component)

Refusal of OBS makes a Marine INELIGIBLE for ALL future promotion selection boards within the same component.

Cross-Component Reset

The ineligibility does NOT transfer between active and reserve components. A Marine who refuses OBS in active duty may still be eligible for promotion in the reserve component (and vice versa).

Why This Consequence

Refusing OBS signals the Marine is not committed to the Marine Corps' investment in their promotion. The consequence prevents repeated cycles of selection-without-commitment.

Inform MMPB-11

The command must inform MMPB-11 if a Marine refuses to extend or reenlist to gain OBS.

Alternate Select OBS Framework

For Marines selected as alternates per the SNCO Selection Boards leaf paragraph 6.

30-Day Activation Window

Alternates must gain OBS within 30 days of activation notification.

Sequence

1. Marine selected as alternate (DCC AS, no seniority number).
2. Primary select list clears (some primary selects may not promote due to OBS, separation, etc.).
3. Alternate is activated.
4. Alternate has 30 days from activation notification to gain OBS.
5. If OBS gained, alternate is promoted.

The SNCO Selection Boards (SSgt and Above) leaf covers the alternate select framework.

How OBS Interacts With PCA and PCS

Per MMPB-11.

OBS Required Before PCA or PCS

Marines must have appropriate OBS to execute Permanent Change of Assignment (PCA) or Permanent Change of Station (PCS) orders.

Refusal of PCS or UDP Orders

Marines who decline to reenlist or extend to carry out PCS or Unit Deployment Program (UDP) orders are removed from the population and incur a failure of selection. Refusal makes the Marine INELIGIBLE for future PSBs within the same component but does not transfer between active and reserve components.

Common OBS Scenarios

Scenario 1. SSgt Selectee With 12 Months OBS

Marine selected for SSgt has only 12 months of OBS remaining.

• Action. Commanding Officer extends the Marine using the projected tables in the monthly promotion MARADMIN to bring OBS to 24 months.
• Result. OBS compliant. Promotion proceeds.

Scenario 2. SSgt Selectee With DCC AX

Marine selected for SSgt has DCC AX.

• Action. CO cannot locally extend due to DCC. Marine submits extension through TFRS to HQMC.
• Result. HQMC reviews and approves extension. Promotion proceeds.

Scenario 3. SSgt Selectee Going to SMCR

Marine selected for SSgt is preparing to affiliate with SMCR after active duty.

• Action. Marine affiliates with SMCR via DAP. Command informs MMPB-11.
• Result. Selection retained. Marine promoted in SMCR.

Scenario 4. SSgt Selectee on Limited Duty

Marine selected for SSgt is on limited duty awaiting Physical Evaluation Board.

• Action. Medical exemption applies. No extension required.
• Result. Promotion proceeds without OBS.

Scenario 5. Marine Refuses OBS

Marine selected for SSgt refuses to extend or reenlist.

• Action. Command informs MMPB-11. Marine removed from selection list.
• Result. Failure of selection. Ineligible for all future PSBs in the same component.

Scenario 6. Alternate Select Activated

Alternate select notified of activation.

• Action. Marine has 30 days from notification to gain OBS.
• Result. If OBS gained, promoted. If not, selection lost.

Common Mistakes

Mistake 1. Assuming OBS Will Sort Itself Out

Marines must affirmatively gain OBS through extension or reenlistment. Not gaining OBS results in delayed or missed promotion.

Mistake 2. Trying to Locally Extend With DCC AF/AH/AX/AY

Marines with these DCCs cannot be locally extended. Must submit through TFRS.

Mistake 3. Refusing OBS Without Understanding Consequences

Refusal of OBS makes the Marine ineligible for ALL future PSBs in the same component. Major career consequence.

Mistake 4. Not Informing MMPB-11 of OBS Refusal

The command must inform MMPB-11 when a Marine refuses OBS. Failure to inform can result in administrative complications.

Mistake 5. Missing the 30-Day Alternate Activation Window

Alternates have a strict 30-day window from activation notification to gain OBS. Late OBS results in lost selection.

Mistake 6. Not Considering DAP for Active-to-Reserve

Marines preparing to leave active duty for reserves should consider DAP to retain promotion selection. Without DAP, the selection is lost.

Common Questions Marines Ask

What is OBS?

Obligated Service. The amount of time remaining on a Marine's contract. SNCO selectees need 24 months OBS from the promotion date.

How do I gain OBS?

Through contract extension or reenlistment. The CO can locally extend in most cases.

When can the CO NOT locally extend me?

When you have DCC AF, AH, AX, or AY. You must submit through TFRS to HQMC for review.

What happens if I do not gain OBS before my seniority number is reached?

Per MCO P1400.32DMCO P1400.32D, you receive a date of rank and effective date for the 1st of the following month AFTER OBS compliance.

What is DAP?

Direct Affiliation Program. Allows Marines selected for promotion on active duty to retain their selection by affiliating with a reserve component (SMCR, IMA, AR, IRR) and meeting OBS compliance via affiliation.

What are the four streamlined reenlistment paths?

CRP (Commandant's Retention Program), CGRP (Commanding General's Retention Program), LATMOV (Lateral Move), and Standard reenlistment.

Am I exempt from OBS if I am on medical limited duty?

Yes. Marines in medical status (including limited duty or pending PEB) and who meet all other requirements are eligible for promotion without an extension.

What if I refuse OBS?

Per MCO P1400.32DMCO P1400.32D and MARADMIN 612/19MARADMIN 612/19. (1) MMPB-11 removes you from the selection list. (2) You are ineligible for ALL future promotion selection boards in the same component. (3) The ineligibility does NOT transfer between active and reserve.

How long does an alternate have to gain OBS after activation?

30 days from activation notification.

Can I refuse PCS or UDP orders to avoid OBS extension?

If you refuse to reenlist or extend to carry out PCS or UDP orders, you are removed from the population and incur a failure of selection. Same component ineligibility applies.

What does "same component" mean?

Active duty and reserve components are separate. Refusing OBS in active duty does not affect future eligibility in reserve component (and vice versa).

How does OBS interact with the 24-month rule?

The 24-month OBS requirement starts from the promotion date. Total contract length minus time served must equal at least 24 months from promotion date.

Can I be promoted if my OBS is exactly 24 months?

Yes. The minimum is 24 months. More than 24 months is also acceptable.

Where to Go for Help

Routing by Issue

• OBS calculation and verification. The unit S-1 admin section.
• Local extension. The Commanding Officer through the unit S-1.
• Extensions for DCC AF, AH, AX, or AY. Through TFRS to HQMC.
• DAP coordination. The unit S-1 and MMEA-1 (active duty exit) plus the gaining reserve unit.
• Medical exemption. Coordinate with the unit S-1 and the medical chain.
• OBS refusal documentation. Through unit S-1 to MMPB-11 (enlistedpromotions@usmc.mil).
• CRP, CGRP, LATMOV. Through the appropriate program channels.

Where to Go Next on This Site

• Promotions landing page lists all topics.
• Promotions Overview and Authorities covers the framework.
• SNCO Selection Boards (SSgt and Above) covers the selection framework triggering OBS requirements.
• Failure of Selection and Non-Selection covers OBS refusal consequences.
• Promotion Delays and Revocations covers the broader delay framework.
• Reenlistments and Extensions covers the broader reenlistment framework.
• Reserve Pay and Entitlements covers reserve component pay and entitlements.

Related Roles

• Leaders coach Marines on OBS planning before SNCO selection results post.
• Admin at S-1 supports OBS calculation, local extensions, and TFRS submissions.
• Commanders execute local extensions and inform MMPB-11 of OBS refusals.

The 24-month OBS requirement applies to all SNCO promotions (SSgt through SgtMaj/MGySgt). CO can locally extend for most Marines. Marines with DCC AF, AH, AX, or AY must submit through TFRS. Four streamlined reenlistment paths (CRP, CGRP, LATMOV, Standard). DAP preserves selection for active-to-reserve transitions. Medical exemption applies for Marines on limited duty or pending PEB. Refusal of OBS results in removal from selection list and ineligibility for future PSBs in the same component (cross-component reset). Alternates have 30 days from activation to gain OBS. Per MCO P1400.32DMCO P1400.32D and MARADMIN 612/19MARADMIN 612/19.